Maternal Caregiving Capabilities are Associated with Energy-Protein Adequacy of Children with Stunting in Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesian children suffer from stunting because of a chronic lack of energy and protein intake. Maternal caregiving capabilities are skills and attributes of the mother which determine their ability to use resources for positive nutrition to support their children's health. This study aimed to analyse the association between maternal caregiving capabilities and energy-protein adequacy among children with stunting. This study used a cross-sectional correlation design. The data was collected using a maternal caregiving capabilities questionnaire and 24-hour food recall in 130 mothers of children aged 2 to 5 years with stunted growth, registered at Puskesmas. The study found a significant association between maternal caregiving capabilities and a child's energy and protein adequacy. As mothers' maternal caregiving capabilities increased, their capacity to provide adequate energy and protein for their children increased. We believe that community health nurses can promote health and empower mothers to increase their capability to meet the nutritional needs of children.